“I always wanted to study Medicine. It was years later, as a Registrar at Orthopaedics, that I developed an interest in Spinal Surgery. I was also exposed to Neurosurgery during my time at Orthopaedics. It was during that time that I realised I wanted to become a Neurosurgeon.” This, according to Dr Pierre Lewis, who is in private practice at Life Rosepark Hospital.
Dr Lewis performs his surgeries at Cure Day Hospitals Bloemfontein. Cure Day Hospitals play a vital role in modern healthcare, providing a crucial alternative to traditional inpatient settings for minor surgeries. With their state-of-the-art facilities and highly specialised staff, day hospitals offer numerous advantages. Patients benefit from shorter waiting times, reduced costs, and the convenience of returning home on the same day, all while receiving the highest quality medical care.
He says a happy patient is the strongest stimulus and allows him to perform at his best. “If I can improve someone’s quality of life, I have succeeded in my goal.”
When asked how his practice stays afloat despite the economic state of the country, he says: “South Africa is going through a very tough time. The rand is weak and inflation is high, therefore people struggle to make ends meet. I always get asked how I cope. The answer is simple. Patients will always need a doctor, so be the best doctor you can be to your patient and accommodate them as best as you can.”
Dr Lewis believes being a Neurosurgeon is an all-or-nothing concept and that means working for long hours. “You have to have a passion for what you do, but always put yourself in the shoes of the patient. Do not advise a route of treatment that you would not go on yourself,” he says.
He adds that you should always take to heart advice from your senior peers as they have been there for a long time.
“Bad habits are difficult to break. It is very easy to get caught up in your work and neglect your family and yourself. Make time for the people you love.”
In order to run a successful business, Dr Lewis says you need enthusiasm, confidence, and perseverance. “A business can only be successful if you provide a good service. Your best advertisement is word-of-mouth,” he advises.
One thing Dr Lewis says is a huge achievement for him is being a family man. “Despite the long hours of work, I managed to take part in a happy and loving family system. I have a great relationship with my wife and our three children.”
When he is not consulting or performing surgery he spends time collecting watches, admiring cars or tries to get away on a road trip with his wife as often as possible.
Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN Photography: GYPSEENIA LION
